The Cowichan Valley is the home of a growing number of vineyards and wineries. They include Cherry Point Vineyards, Blue Grouse, Glenterra,Vigneti Zanatta,Venturi-Schulze Vineyards, and Averil Creek. Locals claim that the warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters are reminiscent of a cool Mediterranean climate, providing ideal growing conditions for many grape varieties.

The Trans Canada Trail goes through the Valley, and there are numerous options for hiking enthusiasts. On January 7 2010 they installed an air quality monitoring station.